The New Jersey Driver Manual Chapter One

A motorist who is a foreign national with a valid license from another country may be eligible for:

A New Jersey driver license. If the motorist receives a NJ license, he/she will not have to surrender the out-of-country license.

Obtaining a driver license illegally may result in:

A fine of up to $500 and/or imprisonment.

A motorist with a valid out-of-state license who moves to New Jersey must:

Apply for a New Jersey license within 60 days (Commercial Driver license within 30 days) or before the current license expires (whichever is sooner). The out of state license must be surrendered before receiving a NJ license.

Motorists under 21 years of age are issued a:

Distinctive, vertical-format driver license.

A motorist who legally changes their name:

Must report the change to the MVC within two weeks.

A motorist who changes their address:

Must report to the MVC within one week after moving. (Includes individuals who are moving out of New Jersey)

Special Learner Permits for NJ Residents

-At least 16 years old, not in suspension status. -Can get at the MVC agency. -Must have the signed consent of his/her parent or guardian, must be enrolled in a behind-the-wheel driver training course approved by the NJ Department of Education or conducted by a commercial driving school, and must pass the MVC's knowledge test and vision screening. (Approved course is six full hours of behind-the-wheel instruction in a dual-controlled vehicle. -The instructor must purchase the permit, which is valid for two years. -Once the applicant fills the form out with his/her personal info and provides 6 points of ID Verification and, if applicable, proof that the US gov't authorizes his/her presence in this country, the instructor can purchase a permit.

A motorist who is a legal resident of New Jersey:

Must be licensed in this state.

Probationary Driver License Restrictions

-No driving between 11:01 pm and 5:00 am. -No using hand-held or hands-free cell phones or any other electronic devices. -Passengers are limited to dependents of the probationary license holder and one additional person, unless accompanied by parent/guardian. -Probationary license holder and all passengers must wear seat belts. -Must display decals on license plates.

A motorist who operates a motor vehicle in the State of New Jersey should carry:

-Valid driver license, valid probationary license, or validated New Jersey permit. -Valid insurance and vehicle registration cards.

How long are driver licenses valid?

4 years.

All applicants for a New Jersey driver license must provide:

A full name, current address, Social Security number, 6 points of ID verification and other documentation that verifies that their legal presence in the United States is authorized under federal law. Documents must be in English or have an approved translation.

GDL Decal

All GDL drivers under age 21, who possess a permit or probationary license, are required to display two visible, red reflective decals, distributed through the MVC, on any vehicle that they operate. -One decal is to be displayed on the top left corner of the rear license plate and the other on the top left corner of the front license plate.

All applicants must prove identity through a prescribed combination of documents that includes:

At least one primary document, at least one secondary document, at least six points of ID, and proof of address.

Motorist with a validated New Jersey driver permit must:

Be accompanied by an appropriately licensed driver.

GDL Driver Exemptions

Exemptions to the hours rule for permit and probationary drivers under 21 years: -Proof of a need to drive during the prohibited hours for employment and/or religion. -For an exemption, the motorist must carry a legible certification to indicate this need from his/her employer or religious official on the official letterhead of the business, organization or religious institution, with the signature of the certifying official and his/her name, title, address and phone number.

Probationary Automobile License:

For all types of Class D motor vehicles registeredby the MVC, except motorcycles. Expiration: 4 years Minimum Age: 17 Permit Fee: $10+4 decals Photo License Fee: $6^3 Test(s) Required: KVR^1 [^1 K-Knowledge, V-Vision, R-Road, C-Commercial ^3 Motorist must return to agency in one year to hve license upgraded. Fee is $18]

Basic Automobile License:

For all types of Class D motor vehicles registeredby the MVC, except motorcycles. Expiration: 4 years Minimum age: 18 (Permit: 16) Permit fee: $10 Photo license fee: $24 Test(s) Required: KVR^1 [^1 K-Knowledge, V-Vision, R-Road, C-Commercial]

Primary Documents (just a few>For US Citizens):

Four point documents: -Valid civil birth certificate or certified copy from one of the 50 states, District of Columbia or a US territory. -US Department of State birth certificate -US passport, current or expired less than 3 years (may not be used for proof of legal name change) -US adoption papers -Certificate of citizenship

Individuals who have never had a driver license must complete the:

MVC's Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program, which introduces driving privileges in phases with a period od supervised driving before getting a basic driver license.

Altering a driver license or presenting an altered driver license:

May result in the loss of a motorist's driving privilege, a fine up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment.

All applicants for a New Jersey driver license who are under 18 years of age must:

Present a completed consent form signed by a parent or guardian.

6 point identification:

Presenting documents that prove age, identity, and legal presence in the U.S.

Operators of commercial vehicles, such as large trucks, buses, and vehicles that transport hazardous materials, must:

Satisfy more stringent testing standards than the drivers of automobiles or motorcycles. These operators must still possess a valid, basic New Jersey license prior to applying for a CDL.

Drivers under age 21, who possess an examination permit or probationary license:

Shall not operate a motor vehicle without displaying two visible, reflective GDL decals, which are provided by the Motor Vehicle Commission, on the license plates of the vehicle.

Secondary Documents (just a few>For US Citizens):

Show at least one of these 3 Point documents: -Civil marriage, domestic partnership or civil union certificate issued by the municipality in which the ceremony occurred. 2 Point Documents: -US school photo ID card with transcript or school records 1 point Documents: You cannot use more than TWO of these -Social Security card

Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program

The system gradually introduces driving privileges to first-time drivers, extends their practice driving time and requires a minimum age of 18 in order to receive an unrestricted, basic driver license.

Social Security Number

To complete 6 Point ID Verification, MVC will verify that your Social Security number matches your name and birth date on record with the Social Security Administration database.

Proof of Address

Utility or credit card bill issued in the past 90 days that shows your name at your current address. (Mail addressed to P.O. boxes not accepted as proof of address.)

GDL, special learner and examination permits are:

Valid until all qualifications for a probationary license are met, or for two years, whichever occurs first. All others are valid for 90 days.